Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers announced his retirement after 17 seasons on Friday morning. Peppers penned his announcement in The Players Tribune.
"Seventeen years is a long time to be playing this game. It’s two careers for a lot of people," Peppers wrote. I’m thankful that I have been able to play so long and still be healthy. I’m not all banged up and beaten down. I still feel good.
"But as much as I would love to play forever, I know that I can’t. It’s gotta end at some point. That point is now.